Keyword cannibalization refers to an observed phenomenon, where large numbers of site pages display in the SERP i.e. Search Engine Results Page for the same key phrases or keywords. This takes place whenever different website pages are optimized for the same group of keywords. Alternatively, cannibalization takes place when Google considers the sites as relevant according to the keyword.
Identification/Detection of Keyword Cannibalization
Identification or detection of keyword cannibalization involves simple and easy steps, like that of creating any keyword matrix. This means, you have to design a spreadsheet, which lists each of the important URLs of your website and their related keywords. Once you list out the URLs and related keywords, you have to run down the prepared list and check any type of duplicate entry. If you identify any plagiarism, especially across the main web pages, your website is facing the problem of keyword cannibalization.
Levels of Keyword Cannibalization
Once you identify the problem of keyword cannibalization, you have to analyze its level or type based on-
At the Meta Data Level
When multiple numbers of pages have Meta data especially the headings and title tags, which target almost similar type of keywords, cannibalization takes place. In this situation, you have to adjust the Meta data.
At the Content Level
Whenever keyword cannibalization takes place at the page content level, i.e. multiple web pages tend to cover similar types of topics in their specific content bodies, online business owners have to put relatively more efforts. This is because; webmasters have to find each of the competing pages and later on, choose the best possible approach to deal with the problem.
Ways to Fix the Problem of Keyword Cannibalization
webmasters or online business owners have to take the two major actions to resolve the problem of keyword cannibalization-
Design New Landing Web Pages
You may lack a landing web page to consolidate each of your product pages at a single place. In this situation, you should create your website’s unique landing page. This will act as an authoritative source page and let you link to each of the variations.
Restructure Your Website
One of the easiest solutions is to design the most authoritative web page and convert it into your business’ landing page. This will link with various other unique variations, which come under your various targeted keywords.
Therefore, with the right knowledge and right actions, you as an online business owner will deal with the problem of keyword cannibalization easily.